Recording - February 2010 - 9

Modartt Releases Pianoteq Pro Modartt is now shipping Pianoteq Pro, the advanced version of its Pianoteq physically modelled piano plug-in. The new program offers the ability to tailor each of 22 parameters for each note in the range of the piano, including tuning, unison width, hammer hardness, strike point, string length, spectrum profile, soundboard impedance, damper position, and much more. This allows users to effectively model an entirely original piano soundboard that can then be saved as a program and shared with other Pianoteq users. The original version of Pianoteq, now called Pianoteq Standard, is at version 3.5, and includes many improvements to the model that were incorporated in the Pro version, including a richer soundboard model, a realistic model for duplex scale resonances that provides richer harmonic content, improvements to the dampers, release velocity control, user-modifiable velocity curves for the sustain pedal and release velocity, and much more. Users can purchase add-on models for electric pianos, vibes, and a modern “rock” grand piano. Free add-ons now include historical instruments pianofortes, harpsichords, electric grand piano, bells, carillons, and cimbalom. Trial versions are available for free download from the Modartt website; as the program contains almost no sample data, it is very small in size. Prices: Pro version, 399 Euros; Standard version, 249 Euros More from: Modartt, www.pianoteq.com. Audix Releases New Fusion Drum Mics and Kits Audix has presented a new set of Fusion drum mics, updating the original designs released seven years ago. The new mics include the F2, F5, and F6 dynamic mics, all hypercardioid designs with low-mass diaphragms and neodymium magnets, and the F9 condenser mic, with a 16mm gold diaphragm and a 40 Hz–20 kHz stated frequency response. The Fusion mics are available separately and in mounting kits, each packaged in an aluminum carrying case with room for up to 11 mics. Each kit has one F6 for kick, one F5 for snare, and F2s for toms (two in the FP4, three each in the FP5 and FP7), all with D-CLIP mic stand adapters. The FP7 kit also includes two F9 mics with MC1 nylon clips for overhead use. Optional mounting accessories allow for customized drum mount options per each user’s needs. Prices: F2, $129; F5, $129; F6, $239; F9, $189; FP4 kit, $449; FP5 kit, $559; FP7 kit, $749; D-VICE rim mount, $29.95; D-FLEX butterfly mounting clip, $19.95; D-CLAMP lug nut mount, $29.95; STAND-KD pedestal mic stand for kick drum and guitar cabinets, $44.95. More from: Audix, www.audixusa.com. RealTraps Ships Ultimate Bass Trapping Product RealTraps is now shipping the MegaTrap, which the company claims absorbs more bass and at lower frequencies than any other bass trap product ever made. MegaTraps are corner-placement devices that can be stacked from floor to ceiling for maximum absorption and use the proprietary RealTraps limp mass membrane behind the fabric front cover. The traps are sold in pairs and come in white, wheat, grey, and black. For $25 extra, a MegaTrap can be purchased with a 1/4" thick Masonite rigid top, allowing them to be used as corner tables or speaker stands when stacked one or two units high. Price: $249.99 each, $224.99 each when ordered in quantities of 8 or more. More from: RealTraps, www.realtraps.com. RECORDING FEBRUARY 2010

http://www.pianoteq.com http://www.audixusa.com http://www.realtraps.com

Recording - February 2010

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